A certain type of algae reproduces asexually by binary fission. Starting with 5 cells, the population doubles every hour. How many cells will be present after 4 hours?

Step-by-step solution

1. Understand binary fission: the number of cells doubles in each time interval.
2. Write the relation: after $n$ hours, cells = initial cells $\times$ $2^n$.
3. Here, initial cells = 5 and $n=4$ hours.
4. Calculate $2^4=16$.
5. Multiply: 5 $\times$ 16 = 80.
6. Therefore, after 4 hours there will be 80 cells.

Concept tested: Binary fission – cell number calculation

Published 21 August 2026 · Last updated 16 September 2026 · How this solution was prepared and checked

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